By Peter John
Gunshots were reported during a dramatic confrontation at a hotel linked to former government official William Nyakera in Kisumu, after a group of suspected goons allegedly stormed the premises in what has been described as a property dispute.
Nyakera, who is also known as an opposition political figure, claimed the raid was orchestrated by individuals connected to a state agency amid a long-running disagreement over the property.
The hotel sits on land he leased in 2019, and he says he has invested more than KSh235 million in renovating and reviving the establishment.
According to Nyakera, the attackers arrived at the premises and caused chaos, with reports indicating that gunshots were fired during the incident.
He further alleged that the individuals involved shouted tribal insults targeting members of the Kikuyu community.
In his account, Nyakera accused a senior government official of being behind the operation, suggesting the incident may be politically motivated.
However, the claims remain contested and have not been independently verified by authorities.
The dispute is linked to the property’s ownership and lease arrangements involving the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), a government agency tasked with managing development projects within the Lake Basin region.
Court records indicate that the authority has been pursuing recovery of the property after Nyakera’s company allegedly fell into arrears and breached repayment terms tied to the lease.
Despite the developments, Nyakera has denied that any court order authorizing eviction from the property exists.
The incident has also sparked debate online. Blogger and political commentator Robert Alai dismissed Nyakera’s claims, describing the situation as a publicity stunt linked to unpaid rent.
Police response to the incident has drawn criticism, with observers noting delays in law enforcement intervention even as tensions escalated at the scene.
The matter remains before the courts as the dispute between Nyakera’s firm and the Lake Basin Development Authority continues, raising broader questions about property management, political rivalry, and the enforcement of lease agreements involving public land.
Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the reported gunshots and the alleged raid.
Investigations into the incident are expected as the legal battle over the property unfolds.
